Friday, September 12, 2003

Hartsfield works to cut waits

Officials at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have joined forces to reduce the amount of time travelers wait in line at the security checkpoint. Airport operations data compiled over a three-month period shows that passengers' maximum wait time was 20 minutes or less on 63 days between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2003.

During the 92-day reporting period maximum passenger wait times ranged from a low of two minutes to a high of 51 minutes. August saw the most significant reduction in wait times, with passenger wait times at or below 20 minutes on 29 of 31 days.

To expedite the screening process TSA officials have placed six-foot tables lengthwise near the screening stations so passengers can divest their belongings and prepare to move through the security monitoring stations.

"I commend the TSA for making significant strides to streamline the screening process. Their commitment to opening all 18 main checkpoint lanes between 5 and 9 a.m. is a key reason passengers are seeing improved processing times," said Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta. "Also, providing more employees on Mondays has helped reduce some of the longer waits. We will continue to work collaboratively to provide exceptional customer service to Hartsfield passengers," he added.